Washington, D.C.  - To get a direct look at U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) traveled to the Panjshir and Wardak Provinces of Afghanistan as part of an official Congressional Delegation led by U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.)  The bipartisan delegation departed on Friday, January 18th and returned yesterday afternoon.

“Our trip gave me encouragement that we and our NATO allies are making a substantial impact in Afghanistan through Operation Enduring Freedom,” English said.  “I was pleased that the U.S. troops that we visited, and the allies that we conferred with offered extremely positive perspectives on their experiences and on the progress being made to improve the lives of every day Afghans.”

During their visit, the members had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the progress in Afghanistan.  The group visited with Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) stationed in the provinces of Panjshir and Wardak.  PRT’s were originally established in Afghanistan to work with the elected Afghan government to improve security and facilitate reconstruction and economic development throughout the country. Comprised of members of the U.S. military and other members of the international community, PRTs are meant to serve as temporary, transitional structures.

“In our visits to Panjshir and Wardak we got a fresh, honest picture of what’s happening on the ground in these individual provinces.  We were also able to see firsthand the progress being made on reconstruction projects that are improving economic, educational and healthcare opportunities in these communities,” English said.  “Our meetings with local leaders were particularly constructive and gave us insights that most Washington policymakers haven’t had.  These meetings also gave us an opportunity to reassure Afghans and our allies of our continuing commitment to the area.”

Although the group was able to visit with U.S. military troops and participate in meetings with local government leaders, including the Governor of Panjshir, the members were forbidden to travel to the southern part of the country where security concerns remain prominent. In addition to gaining direct knowledge regarding the troubled parts of Afghanistan, English expressed concern regarding increased drug trafficking in certain Afghan communities.

“Clearly, reconstruction has been unsatisfactorily slow in some parts of Afghanistan.  The rule of law in the southern parts of the country is very much at risk, and in certain communities the Taliban have reasserted themselves, at least temporarily. The political situation in the lead up to 2009 elections continues to be uncertain,” English said.  “Particularly troubling is the revival of the drug economy in certain communities, with Afghanistan now earning the unhappy distinction of being the number one source of heroin in the world.”

Despite current challenges within Afghanistan, English praised the work of U.S. military forces and members of the international community that remain active with reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

“With all of these challenges, our bipartisan delegation concluded that new tactics in the provinces show real potential to empower Afghans to fight corruption, narcoterrorism, fanaticism and poverty and join the modern economy,” English said.  “I’m very proud of the work being done by American forces, our NATO allies and dedicated NGOs (Nongovernmental Organizations) who have brought renewed hope to this country.”

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